The 2019 Salvation Army Rogers County Red Kettle Drive is in the books. It not only met its goal of $90,000, but exceeded it by raising $94,570.
“It seems only fitting that we finish with a final photo of the campaign thermometer, showing that we not only reached our goal, but exceeded it,” said Jerry Hayes, Event Manager. “As we celebrate the campaign’s success, we know the true success is the knowledge that the money will go to help meet the critical needs of our neighbors in Rogers County.”
Programs money donated support: Food 4 Kids, Summer Camp, Homeless Assistance, Cancer Patient Assistance and C.A.R.D. Assistance (emergency shelter, food, groceries, utilities, medicine, fuel and car repairs).
“The commitment of Jerry Hayes, who organizes the bell ringing, of those who ring the bells and the generosity of those who give far out does anything I’ve see in any other community I have been in,” said Phillip Elseman, Reasor’s (Claremore) Store Director.
The annual campaign started on November 11th and ended on December 24th. Kettles were located in Claremore at Reasor’s, Walmart and 10Box; in Catoosa at Reasor’s and Walmart; in Inola at Harps and in Oologah at Apple Market.
“On behalf of the Salvation Army Rogers County Council, we can’t say thank you enough to the businesses for allowing us to have kettles in front of their stores. To the groups, churches, organizations and individuals for the over 2,000 hours of their time volunteering to ring the bells. Also, to the donors, who through their generosity made this total possible,” said Jim Spangler, Council President, Salvation Army Rogers County.
“Most people don’t know that in some areas the people ringing the bell are paid. With the generosity of the volunteers in Rogers County, who didn’t receive any pay, that means that approximately an extra $20,560 goes to the campaign. That makes a big, big difference in the amount of services that we can provide in Rogers County,” said Spangler.
Services provided by the Salvation Army are always a “Helping Hand Up, Not Out”.
